Associate Attorney
Evelina E. G. Padilla, Esq., is a distinguished attorney with a robust legal background, focusing primarily on healthcare law and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Admitted to the New Jersey State Bar in December 2008, the Florida State Bar in June 2009, and the New York State Bar in June 2010, Evelina brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her practice.
Since February 2016, Evelina has been serving at Garcia-Watts Law, LLC. In this role, she assists healthcare providers with a variety of legal issues, ensuring their practices comply with legal standards. Evelina’s dedication extends to assisting healthcare providers in real estate, employment and business legal matters that impact heathcare practices.
Evelina is also deeply involved in estate planning, providing comprehensive services to clients in both New Jersey and Florida. Her work in this area includes drafting wills and trusts, creating living wills and health care directives, and establishing powers of attorney. Evelina’s expertise ensures that her clients’ assets are protected, and their wishes are clearly articulated and legally binding. Her approach to estate planning is thorough and compassionate, helping clients navigate the complexities of planning for their future with confidence and peace of mind.
Before joining Garcia-Watts Law, Evelina was an Associate at Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, P.C., in Lawrenceville, NJ, from June 2010 to August 2015. Her practice focused on advising and representing parents of children with disabilities. Evelina handled a wide range of legal matters, including guardianship, special needs trusts, estate planning, special education litigation, and issues involving the Division of Developmental Disabilities with the goal of safeguarding the rights and welfare of individuals who cannot protect themselves. She also conducted numerous speaking engagements to educate families about their rights and the services available to them, demonstrating her commitment to community education and advocacy.
Evelina’s legal career began as a Law Clerk at the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law in Newark, NJ, where she worked from September 2008 to May 2010. In this role, she reviewed legal briefs, conducted research, and drafted memoranda to assist administrative law judges in their decision-making processes. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of administrative law and the intricacies of legal proceedings.
Her journey into law was marked by several significant internships and fellowships. As a Governor’s Executive Fellow at the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics, Evelina gained valuable insights into the legislative process by monitoring and reviewing state legislation relevant to education. Her internship at Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services, Inc., involved advocating for disadvantaged clients in housing, education, and public entitlement issues. Additionally, as an extern in the chambers of the Honorable Jo-Anne B. Spatola, J.S.C., at the Union County Courthouse, Evelina conducted legal research and observed family law trials, further honing her legal skills.
Evelina’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark, obtained in May 2008, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Political Science from Florida State University, completed in April 2005. During her time at Rutgers, she was actively involved in the Special Education Clinic, where she advocated for parents of children with disabilities, conducted fact investigations, and represented clients in mediation.
With a career dedicated to serving vulnerable populations and healthcare providers, Evelina E. G. Padilla, Esq., combines legal acumen with compassionate advocacy. Her extensive experience and commitment to justice make her an invaluable asset to Garcia-Watts Law, LLC.
Practice Areas
Estate Planning:
• Wills and Trusts
• Living Wills and Health Care Directives
• Powers of Attorney
Healthcare Law:
• Provider Defense
• Compliance Plans and Related Policies